MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As students consider off-campus living in West Virginia’s college towns, an attorney at West Virginia University advises they and their families carefully consider lease agreements before signing.

Patrick Brooks, managing attorney for the university’s student legal services department, said conditions and safety measures are important factors to consider when searching for a place to live while at college.

Brooks offers six tips for students who are considering investing in off-campus housing at West Virginia colleges and universities.

Don’t jump into a lease too quickly

“The biggest misstep I see students making is jumping into a lease too early. From the time students start classes in the fall semester, they are inundated with materials about signing leases. Students who live in some apartments are pushed to renew after having lived in the apartment for, in some cases, just a matter of weeks.

Don’t panic: it’s better to wait

“I try to reassure students and their parents that they will find a place to live. While it is a possibility, but unlikely, that a student may miss out on their ‘dream apartment’ by waiting, it is better to wait and be certain of your decision than to rush into a situation that creates a legal and financial nightmare.

Jumping may have consequences

“Signing a lease too early can often lead to buyer’s remorse. Students may come to regret the housing they chose or the roommates they selected. In each situation, the tenant is left trying to find a way out of their lease, which often has detrimental financial and legal consequences.

Ask for specifics first

“Students should make sure to ask their potential landlords for all the specifics regarding utilities, parking, pets, and maintenance—to name just a few. Who pays and is there a cap if the landlord is covering costs? Is the parking on-street or off-street? Is the parking additional or included in the rent? Are pets allowed? Is there a pet deposit? Is there a monthly pet rent? Is there 24-hour maintenance, and how does it work?

Be sure to consider site security

“For security, in addition to making sure all the doors and windows lock properly, students should ask their potential landlords if there are any exterior lights, security cameras or any other security measures employed by the landlord. Furthermore, if students wish to have the added security of a video doorbell, they should make sure to get their landlord’s written permission before installation.

Demand that landlords answer questions

“Students should remember that this is a very important choice they are making, and they should feel free to ask questions of the landlord. If landlords get annoyed or exasperated with a tenant who is attempting to be a well-informed consumer, that is a major red flag for what working with that landlord in the future would look like.”

Sign up to receive a FREE copy of West Virginia Explorer Magazine in your email weekly. Sign me up!